THE MOST DIFFICULT COMPLICATIONS IN THYROID SURGERY

KSENIJA S. STEVANOVIC^1*, VERA D. SABLJAK^1,2, ANKA R. TOSKOVIC¹, KATARINA M. TAUSANOVIC³, MILAN D. JOVANOVIC³, VLADAN R. ZIVALJEVIC^2,3, ALEKSANDAR D. DIKLIC^2,3, IVAN R. PAUNOVIC^2,3, NEVENA K. KALEZIC^1,2

¹Center for Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade - ²School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia - ³Center for Endocrine Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia

Introduction: Since thyroid gland disorders are present in a considerable percentage of the world population and thyroidec- tomy represents the most commonly performed endocrine surgical procedure world-vide, medical teams involved in surgical treat- ment of these patients can face a series of complications, out of which some might be life-threatening.

Materials and methods: The paper analyzes the most difficult complications that can arise during and after thyroidectomy, presents risk factors for their development and contemporary literature concepts regarding this topic.

Results: Understanding the mechanisms which lead to their occurrence and methods of their prevention, along with adequate and timely application of therapeuthic measures represent basic strategies that should be employed in order to reduce the rate of these complications.

Conclusion: Adequate preoperative preparation of patients, experienced surgical team and the meticulous technique, early recognition and urgent treatment of complications by the anaesthesiologist, along with multidisciplinary approach, are the basic pre- conditions for successful treatment in thyroid surgery.